Over the Edge fundraiser for Operation Support Our Troops-America on Sept. 11 canceled

Update: Operation Support Our Troops-America has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 Over The Edge event scheduled for Sept. 11. There is increasingly significant uneasiness about COVID-19 and the Delta variant. This resurgence has added an element of uncertainty that has caused the sign-up of rappellers to be softer than we anticipated. Given that OSOT-America was reliant on OTE to provide much-needed funding for our mission programs, we simply cannot be in a position to operate the event at a loss. Please know that all the money you have raised, no amount was too small, has gone to support our four main programs: Comfort and Care Packages, Leap of Faith, Veterans Assistance, and G.I. Yoga.

Operation Support Our Troops-America wanted to let you know as soon as the decision was finalized, especially since this is the second year running that we have had to cancel the event for pandemic-related concerns. In 2020 we moved the event to 2021 with the hopes that the pandemic would be behind us. We will not be rescheduling this event.

If you earned any incentives, we will be reaching out to you to fulfill that incentive.

If you have any questions, email info@osotamerica.org or call (630) 971-1150. Thank you for your support of OSOT-America's mission

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Operation Support Our Troops-America, a Naperville-based nonprofit, has announced their upcoming fundraiser, "Over the Edge."

According to Executive Director Scott Maxson, "Over the Edge is an exciting way to come together as a community, bring awareness to our mission and raise funds to continue to support those who sacrifice so much for our freedom. On Sept. 11, Operation Support Our Troops -America, will bring this exciting event to the Hotel Arista in Naperville. Partnering with Over the Edge Global, OSOT-America and its participants will be rappelling down the side of the hotel to raise funds and awareness for our mission."

Along with rappelling there will be food, music, interactive displays and in general a day to honor our military and their families. Proceeds allow Operation Support Our Troops-America to continue serving more veterans and military families through the active duty, veteran and Families of the Fallen programs.

Individuals wishing to participate must commit to raise a minimum $1,000 in order to secure their rappelling spot. There will be incentives for reaching higher fundraising milestones. Corporate team and sponsorship entries are also available. To register to rappel and for more information, visit fundrazr.com/OSOT-America-2020.

OSOT-America has developed multiple programs that support active-duty military, veterans, and their families, including:

Proceeds raised will help fund OSOT-America's programs:

• Veterans Assistance Program which provides stopgap measure funding to veterans and their families in need who are experiencing financial crisis.

• Leap of Faith Program which helps support Families of the Fallen through a three-day grief healing collaboration seminar "Leap of Faith" with the Army Golden Knights Parachute Team or the All Veteran Parachute Team which provides a growth experience based around a tandem sky-dive.

• Comfort and Care Package Program for deployed troops serving in harm's way. They have shipped over 2.1 million pounds to deployed troops since inception 18 years ago. They continue to support active-duty military who are deployed in over 70% of the world's countries.

• G.I. Yoga Program teaches stress relief methods and tools to manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury to veterans and their family members. All classes are taught by certified yoga instructors. Free to veterans and their families.

Visit www.osotAmerica.org for more information.

Operation Support Our Troops-America began at the dining room table in 2003 of a military family who wanted to support the troops with needed supplies while serving their country and has grown into a nonprofit charity with a four star rating from Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), Great Non-Profits (www.greatnonprofits.org), a Platinum Award from Guidestar (www.guidestar.org) and the Best of 630 award from Chamber 630 for the most inspirational nonprofit organization.

Its mission is to support the morale and well-being of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to all involved both while deployed and upon their return. As a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, OSOT-America provides the opportunity for community members to express their appreciation and also offer support for our troops. Engaged in the longest war of our country's history, and with our servicemen and women completing multiple tours of duty, OSOT-America is committed to showing them that "We Have NOT Forgotten." Volunteer opportunities are available.